Will the world be able to hit WWF's long-term goal and abandon use of fossil fuels?

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The Welsh Government has been urged to put in place statutory climate change targets as major talks kick off in Peru today as part of the race to reach a global deal.

WWF Cymru wants the Labour administration to deliver “real action” in the fight against climate change and is calling on countries to “set aside their own national interests and act in the interests of the planet”.

Jessica McQuade, policy and advocacy officer at WWF Cymru, said: “The Welsh Government says it’s committed to action on climate change. As the UN talks begin in Lima it is time for Welsh ministers to demonstrate their commitment with real action.

“We need to see a clear plan on how Wales will meet its target of cutting emissions by 40% by 2020. It’s also vital for the Welsh Government to legislate for statutory climate targets for Wales.”

The Welsh Government want to see greenhouse gases emissions fall by 3% every year. Its website states that this target includes all sources of emissions “except those from heavy industry and power generation.”

It is hoped a global agreement will be reached in Paris next year but WWF insists the talks in Lima will be “pivotal to gauge political will”.

Samantha Smith, leader of WWF’s Global Climate and Energy Initiative, said: “We know the consequences of inaction and it’s no longer good enough to say that it’s too politically difficult to act. We have one year to the Paris meeting.

“We are off to a good start with ‘opening bids’ by China, the US and the European Union all pledging to reduce emissions. The financial commitments made by a number of countries earlier this month also lends much needed political momentum to the talks.”

WWF is pushing for a commitment to protect forests to be included in the 2015 deal as well as a “global goal to help countries manage the impacts of climate change.” It wants a “long-term goal of phasing out fossil fuels and ensuring 100% renewable energy by 2050.”

Tasneem Essop, who the head of WWF’s delegation, said: “We are meeting on a continent of developing countries that have already experienced devastating impacts of climate change through floods, glacier melts and extreme weather events. It is also a continent where we have witnessed strong actions to address climate change.

“This should spur all countries to be prepared to set aside their own national interests and act in the interests of the planet.”

A Welsh Government spokeswoman said: “Our commitment to climate change action is unwavering. Our climate change strategy, which sets an ambitious 3% emission reduction target, along with the setting of a clear environmental goal within the Wellbeing of Future Generations Bill are examples which highlight this commitment. The Natural Resources Minister recently set out our refreshed approach to climate change, which focuses on reducing climate risks and emissions, whilst driving forward energy efficiency and low carbon energy.”